Arsenal eyeing ‘complete’ 21-year-old who has been likened to Martin Keown

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Arsenal have been linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in recent days as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks further in 2024.

The Gunners have joined a number of leading clubs in the race for the 21-year-old Toffees man, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

Although Arsenal aren’t desperate for central defenders at present – the flanks are more of a priority – Branthwaite is one of the Premier League’s best young defenders and a player worthy of monitoring.

And with Everton being charged with breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the likes of Arsenal will no doubt be monitoring the club’s situation to see if they could sell in the summer.

“We’ve been speaking a lot about Everton’s financial issues in the last 24 hours, yet more alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules,” Crook said on talkSPORT (16/1/24, 12:36pm).

“If they are to sell in the summer, and I’m told that there’s every chance they might now have to cash in on Branthwaite.

“(Real Madrid boss Carlo) Ancelotti has continued to monitor his progress, Arsenal are tracking the situation, Newcastle as well.”

Branthwaite has made his first-team breakthrough at Everton this term, registering 22 appearances in all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League.

Arsenal set sights on ‘complete’ defender Jarrad Branthwaite

Earlier this month, The Guardian described Branthwaite as a ‘speedy’ defender ‘with as much aggression as Martin Keown rushing to laugh in the face of a certain former Manchester United striker’.

And speaking of Ruud van Nistelrooy, he managed the reported Arsenal target at PSV Eindhoven last season, and deemed him a “complete” centre-back, such was his impact.

In terms of price tag, Football Transfers have reported that Everton value the player at £75million.

That’s obviously a huge valuation, but considering how valuable top defenders are, it’s somewhat understandable.

However, let’s see what happens in the coming weeks and months. If the Toffees have to sell, then who knows whether that price tag could come down amid some negotiations.

At the same time, if a bidding war breaks out – and that’s not that unlikely – then the price may not drop much.